Going Back to College: Getting Started
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Once you have selected schools you are interested in, compare them using the following guidelines (we have provided a College Comparison Worksheet):

1. Accreditation and the ranking/reputation of the college program. Be certain that the school is fully accredited, and if seeking federal student aid to help pay for your education, that the school participates in the Title IV student aid program. If interested in graduate school or an advanced degree, make sure the program is fully transferable and meets all requirements. To find information on the school's ranking and academic reputation, refer to college guides from the Princeton Review, U.S. News, and Kiplinger.
2. What kind of financial aid is available, and if there are there specific scholarships targeted toward adult students. Are the college's tuition and expenses affordable?
3. Does the college accept transfer credits? How many? Does it provide options for receiving college credit by examination or prior learning?

4. Courses are presented at acceptable times and formats. Are night and weekend courses available? How about distance learning (via the Internet, broadcast television, or correspondence courses)?
5. Professors are available after class hours.
6. Campus office and academic advising schedules accommodate adult students. Make sure library, computer services, and academic tutoring are available at accessible times.
7. The college offers community and support for adult students.
8. Child care services are offered if needed.

(See also Ten Questions to Ask Before Choosing a College or University and Choosing a Distance Learning Program.)

Complete any Testing and Admissions and Financial Aid Applications.
Once you identify schools offering programs you are interested in, visit their Web site or contact the admissions office for a course catalog and admissions application. Request a financial aid application from the financial aid office. Complete all the necessary testing and admissions and financial aid applications (including the FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and send an offical copy of your prior transcripts to the school. (A transcript is a record of previous academic work. To request a copy, contact the high school or previous college(s) attended and request that an official copy be sent to the admissions office of the new college or university.) If you need your GED (General Educational Development) transcript, the American Council on Education offers assistance. (For information on getting your G.E.D. or high school diploma, see Adult Education/G.E.D./High School Diploma.)

Adult students usually aren't required to take admissions tests (i.e., the SAT Standardized Admissions Test or ACT American College Test), although they do need to take graduate admission tests such as the GRE Graduate Record Examination or GMAT Graduate Management Admission Test if attending graduate school. Many colleges offer a placement test instead of admission test scores for older students, and don't consider high school performance or outdated test scores, especially with transfer students from community colleges. (For frequently asked questions about the ACT and SAT, including old test scores, see the ACT and SAT Web sites.) For help in preparing for admissions or other educational testing, see Educational Testing Services and the Princeton Review. Information on college credit options (i.e. life experience credit and the CLEP (College Level Examination Program), is referenced in Testing and College Credit Options.

Make an Academic Plan.
Once you determine your educational goals and the school you wish to attend, your next step is to make an academic plan. Your advisor can help you decide which courses to take, and whether you should take course prerequisites or any refresher courses (for example, in English or Math). This plan will serve as your academic guide and timetable to keep you on course. You can review this plan periodically to determine how it fits your lifestyle: if it gives you enough time for work, family, and other activities. To get maximum benefit from your degree, plan your career beforehand, not when you finish the program. Be sure your academic plan has a determined end date.

When you are ready to select classes for your first semester, choose subjects in which you are already interested and do well in. This will help ease your transition and establish a study schedule. As you increase in confidence and are more acclimated to college life, try the more difficult or unfamiliar subjects. Many colleges offer tutoring, so be sure to take advantage of these services if you need them. Additional study resources can be found in the Academics section of this Web site.

Attend a Campus Orientation.
Many colleges offer student orientations or campus tour before the start of the semester, and sometimes there is an orientation especially for non-traditional students. These orientations often include information about campus resources, re-entry services, study skills, and stress management tips. They also help familiarize you with the campus and provide help with other important issues you may need to address while continuing your education.

Consider Combining Class Work with Part-Time Employment.
Combining classes with part-time employment can be a challenge, but employers often provide assistance to help you toward educational goals. Many offer cooperative education programs, tuition reimbursement, or paying assistantships or internships. As well as helping you with your tuition, these programs can provide valuable work experience and references. Another option is federal or state work study (which can be included in your financial aid award.) If you choose to participate, you will need to find a position in your major with a qualified employer. Your employer will then be reimbursed and the income you earn will not be counted in determing the next year's financial aid, a significant benefit.

Remember, you are going back to college because you (like many other adult students) want to be there. Relax, and enjoy your journey!

Still have questions? Please read the FAQ (Going Back to College: Frequently Asked Questions).